GCC Secretary-General: Houthi Militia's Persistence in Committing Crimes Demands a Clear International Stance

- Saudi Arabia’s security is an integral part of the security of the GCC states... and the repeated Iranian attacks on the “Cooperation” countries cannot be overlooked.

- We emphasize the necessity of holding Iran accountable under international law and of the international community assuming its responsibilities.

The Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Jassem Al-Budaiwi, stated in Manama today, Sunday, that the heinous attacks carried out by the terrorist Houthi militias against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia place us before a deliberate criminal behavior that disregards the sanctity of human life, the safety of civilian facilities, and the consequences of escalation on the security and stability of the region. He reiterated his unequivocal condemnation of these brazen attacks and rejected the continued targeting of airports, civilian facilities, and energy installations, as well as the terrorization of residents and the endangerment of travelers and workers.

This came in a speech by Al-Budaiwi during the 168th meeting of the GCC Ministerial Council, chaired by Bahraini Foreign Minister Dr. Abdul Latif bin Rashid Al Zayani, and attended by the foreign ministers of the GCC states, including Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Sheikh Jaraah Jaber Al Ahmed Al Sabah.

At the outset of his speech, the Secretary-General expressed his deepest gratitude and appreciation to the Bahraini King, Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, for his patronage and attention to the GCC’s progress, and for his directives reflecting a commitment to enhancing integration among the member states. He expressed pride in the sincere efforts undertaken by the Kingdom of Bahrain during its current presidency to strengthen integration, intensify coordination and consultation among member states, and advance the priorities of joint work, thereby demonstrating a commitment to consolidating the GCC’s status, safeguarding its achievements, and enhancing its capacity to address challenges and serve the interests of its states and peoples.

He affirmed that the GCC Secretariat, in coordination with member states, continues its vigorous efforts to implement the directives of the GCC Heads of State to enhance Gulf integration projects and the GCC states’ capabilities to confront challenges and achieve development and prosperity.

He stressed that the insistence of these militias on repeating their crimes necessitates an effective international response to halt their attacks, hold those responsible accountable, and prevent their threats to security and stability. He expressed his sincere condolences and sympathies to the families of martyrs and victims of the terrorist Houthi attacks.

He prayed to Almighty God to envelop the martyrs and the deceased in His boundless mercy, and to grant the injured swift recovery.

In the same context, he added that the repeated Iranian attacks on GCC states, which constitute a blatant violation of their sovereignty and territorial integrity and a direct threat to their security and stability, cannot be overlooked. Furthermore, he pointed to the dangerous and ongoing Iranian practices targeting the security and safety of maritime navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, and attempts to exploit this vital international waterway as a tool for pressure and threats, thereby exposing international trade and global energy supplies to serious risks. He reiterated his unequivocal condemnation of these attacks and unacceptable practices.

Al-Budaiwi stressed the necessity of Iran’s adherence to the principles of international law and the UN Charter, and the full implementation of Security Council Resolution 2817, ensuring freedom of navigation and safe passage in the Strait of Hormuz without any restrictions or threats. He emphasized the responsibility of the international community, led by the Security Council, to take a firm stance ensuring the protection of the region’s security and stability, and safeguarding international sea lanes from any practices threatening regional and international peace and security.

He noted that the GCC Heads of State, during their 19th consultative meeting held in Jeddah on April 28, 2026, directed the establishment of key priorities to enhance integration among GCC states and accelerate work on joint Gulf projects, while developing their capacity to confront crises, manage challenges, and transform them into opportunities that contribute to improving the efficiency of GCC economies. This is to be achieved by solidifying logistical connectivity, the water interconnection project, expanding electrical interconnection capacities, and strategic storage projects, along with other important issues, thereby fulfilling the aspirations of their peoples for development and prosperity.

He also emphasized that the General Secretariat has, during the recent period up to the present, closely followed up with GCC states. This included holding a number of meetings of the relevant ministerial and technical committees, monitoring remaining steps and timelines, and building upon the outcomes of meetings and workshops, leading to the full implementation of the high directives.

He appreciated the cooperation of GCC states and the efforts of their representatives in various committees and working groups, and the contributions they make to advancing these files. He affirmed that the GCC has been and remains a reliable international partner. The General Secretariat continues, with the blessing and directives of GCC states, to strengthen the circle of regional and international partnerships and open new fields of cooperation, in a manner that serves the interests of GCC states and enhances their presence and influence on the international stage.

In the same context, the GCC Secretary-General mentioned that a number of joint ministerial meetings were held with several countries and organizations, in addition to the signing of memoranda of understanding with the Italian Republic, the Portuguese Republic, and the Kingdom of Thailand. He also noted the signing of an annex to the memorandum of understanding previously concluded with the World Customs Organization, to establish a framework paving the way for developing cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

Furthermore, the Kingdom of Bahrain graciously hosted the first edition of the “Made in the Gulf 2026” Forum and Exhibition. This event comes within the framework of joint Gulf efforts to enhance industrial integration among GCC states, support the industrial economy of the GCC, and elevate the competitiveness of Gulf industries in regional and global markets.

Regarding free trade agreements, a joint statement announcing the successful conclusion of negotiations for the Free Trade Agreement between the GCC and the United Kingdom was signed. This marks a qualitative leap in relations between the two sides.

He pointed out that Dr. Raja Al-Marzouqi will shortly provide a briefing on this signing, as well as on the planned free trade agreement tracks with several countries, some of which are close to meeting their requirements and signing the agreements. He stressed that the GCC, in cooperation with GCC states, looks forward to leveraging these achievements to benefit its states and peoples.

He clarified that the General Secretariat derives the strength of its work from the directives of the GCC Heads of State, as well as from the trust and cooperation of GCC states. He affirmed its continued performance of its responsibilities with a spirit that recognizes the value of this trust and the expectations of the Gulf citizen from the 168th meeting of the esteemed GCC Ministerial Council.